Act 1, Scene 1

Original Text

SCENE I. Padua. A public place. Flourish. Enter Lucentio and Tranio.

Modern English

Scene 1. Padua. A public square. Fanfare. Lucentio and Tranio enter.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Tranio, since for the great desire I had To see fair Padua, nursery of arts, I am arriv'd for fruitful Lombardy, The pleasant garden of great Italy, And by my father's love and leave am arm'd With his good will and thy good company, My trusty servant well approv'd in all, Here let us breathe, and haply institute A course of learning and ingenious studies.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Tranio, driven by my great desire To see beautiful Padua, this cradle of learning, I've arrived in the fertile fields of Lombardy, The lush garden of all Italy, Armed with my father's blessing and his permission, His goodwill, and your good company — My loyal servant, tested and trusted in everything. Let's rest here a moment, and perhaps begin A course of study and intellectual pursuit.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Pisa, renowned for grave citizens, Gave me my being and my father first, A merchant of great traffic through the world, Vincentio, come of the Bentivolii. Vincentio's son, brought up in Florence, It shall become to serve all hopes conceiv'd, To deck his fortune with his virtuous deeds: And therefore, Tranio, for the time I study, Virtue and that part of philosophy Will I apply that treats of happiness By virtue specially to be achiev'd. Tell me thy mind; for I have Pisa left And am to Padua come as he that leaves A shallow plash to plunge him in the deep, And with satiety seeks to quench his thirst.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Pisa, known for her serious and distinguished citizens, Is where I was born, and where my father came first — Vincentio, of the Bentivolio family, A merchant who traded across the entire world. His son, raised in Florence, must now prove himself Worthy of all the hopes placed in him, And adorn his good fortune with virtuous deeds. And so, Tranio, while I'm here to study, I'll devote myself to virtue and to the branch of philosophy That teaches how happiness is best achieved through a good life. Tell me what you think — I've left Pisa behind And come to Padua the way a man leaves a shallow puddle To throw himself into the deep ocean, Seeking to quench a thirst that only real knowledge can satisfy.

Original Text

TRANIO. _Mi perdonato_, gentle master mine; I am in all affected as yourself; Glad that you thus continue your resolve To suck the sweets of sweet philosophy. Only, good master, while we do admire This virtue and this moral discipline, Let's be no stoics nor no stocks, I pray; Or so devote to Aristotle's checks As Ovid be an outcast quite abjur'd.

Modern English

TRANIO. Forgive me, dear master. I feel exactly the same way you do, And I'm glad you're sticking to your intention To drink deep from the pleasures of philosophy. Only, good master — while we admire This life of virtue and moral discipline, Let's not become stone-cold stoics, I beg you, Or so devoted to Aristotle's strictness That poor Ovid gets thrown out entirely.

Original Text

TRANIO. Balk logic with acquaintance that you have, And practise rhetoric in your common talk; Music and poesy use to quicken you; The mathematics and the metaphysics, Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you: No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en; In brief, sir, study what you most affect.

Modern English

TRANIO. Debate logic with the friends you make here, And sharpen your rhetoric in ordinary conversation. Let music and poetry lift your spirits. As for mathematics and metaphysics, Take them up as your appetite allows — Nothing grows where there's no pleasure in the work. In short, sir: study what you love.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise. If, Biondello, thou wert come ashore, We could at once put us in readiness, And take a lodging fit to entertain Such friends as time in Padua shall beget. But stay awhile; what company is this?

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Thank you, Tranio — that's well said. If only Biondello were here with us, We could get ourselves properly settled right away And find lodgings fit to host Whatever friends we make in Padua. But wait — who's that coming?

Original Text

TRANIO. Master, some show to welcome us to town. [_Lucentio and Tranio stand aside._] Enter Baptista, Katherina, Bianca, Gremio and Hortensio.

Modern English

TRANIO. Master, some kind of reception party, perhaps — a welcome to town. [_Lucentio and Tranio step aside._] Baptista enters with his daughters Katherina and Bianca, and with the suitors Gremio and Hortensio.

Original Text

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, importune me no farther, For how I firmly am resolv'd you know; That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter Before I have a husband for the elder. If either of you both love Katherina, Because I know you well and love you well, Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.

Modern English

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, stop pressing me on this. You both know my mind is firmly made up: I will not give away my younger daughter Until I have found a husband for the elder. If either of you loves Katherina — I know you both well, and I care for you both — You are welcome to court her as much as you like.

Original Text

GREMIO. To cart her rather: she's too rough for me. There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?

Modern English

GREMIO. Court her! I'd sooner cart her to the pillory. She's far too rough for me. Well then, Hortensio — how about a wife?

Original Text

KATHERINA. [_To Baptista_] I pray you, sir, is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates?

Modern English

KATHERINA. [_To Baptista_] Tell me, Father — is it really your intention To make a laughingstock of me in front of these men?

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Mates, maid! How mean you that? No mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. A laughingstock, miss? What do you mean by that? No man will have you Unless you're made of gentler, softer stuff.

Original Text

KATHERINA. I' faith, sir, you shall never need to fear; I wis it is not half way to her heart; But if it were, doubt not her care should be To comb your noddle with a three-legg'd stool, And paint your face, and use you like a fool.

Modern English

KATHERINA. Rest easy, sir — you needn't worry on that score. I'm quite sure she has no interest in you whatsoever. But if she did, you can be certain she'd show it By combing your skull with a three-legged stool, Painting your face, and treating you like the fool you are.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. From all such devils, good Lord deliver us! GREMIO. And me, too, good Lord!

Modern English

HORTENSIO. God deliver us from such devils! GREMIO. And me too, Lord — and me too!

Original Text

TRANIO. Husht, master! Here's some good pastime toward: That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward.

Modern English

TRANIO. Hush, master! There's some fine entertainment about to happen — That woman is either completely mad or spectacularly difficult.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. But in the other's silence do I see Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety. Peace, Tranio!

Modern English

LUCENTIO. But in the other one's silence I can see A maiden's gentle manner and quiet grace. Hush, Tranio!

Original Text

TRANIO. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill.

Modern English

TRANIO. Quite right, master — not a word. Stare all you like.

Original Text

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, that I may soon make good What I have said,—Bianca, get you in: And let it not displease thee, good Bianca, For I will love thee ne'er the less, my girl.

Modern English

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, to make good on what I've said — Bianca, go inside. And don't be upset by it, my dear girl, For I love you no less for it.

Original Text

KATHERINA. A pretty peat! it is best put finger in the eye, and she knew why.

Modern English

KATHERINA. What a precious little darling! She'd do well to cry about it — if she knew what was good for her.

Original Text

BIANCA. Sister, content you in my discontent. Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe: My books and instruments shall be my company, On them to look, and practise by myself.

Modern English

BIANCA. Sister, find what comfort you can in my unhappiness. Father, I submit to your wishes, humbly. My books and my instruments will be my companions — I'll spend my time with them, practicing on my own.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva speak.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Listen, Tranio! You're hearing the goddess Minerva speak.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Signior Baptista, will you be so strange? Sorry am I that our good will effects Bianca's grief.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Signor Baptista, can you really be so harsh? I'm sorry that our goodwill toward you causes Bianca such grief.

Original Text

GREMIO. Why will you mew her up, Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell, And make her bear the penance of her tongue?

Modern English

GREMIO. Why cage her up like a hawk, Signor Baptista — And all because of this hellcat? Must Bianca pay penance for her sister's sharp tongue?

Original Text

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, content ye; I am resolv'd. Go in, Bianca. [_Exit Bianca._] And for I know she taketh most delight In music, instruments, and poetry, Schoolmasters will I keep within my house Fit to instruct her youth.

Modern English

BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, be at peace. My mind is made up. Go inside, Bianca. [_Bianca exits._] Now, since I know she takes the greatest pleasure In music, instruments, and poetry, I intend to keep tutors in my house Qualified to instruct her properly.

Original Text

BAPTISTA. If you, Hortensio, Or, Signior Gremio, you, know any such, Prefer them hither; for to cunning men I will be very kind, and liberal To mine own children in good bringing up; And so, farewell. Katherina, you may stay; For I have more to commune with Bianca. [_Exit._]

Modern English

BAPTISTA. If either of you, Hortensio Or Signor Gremio, knows suitable candidates, Send them to me. I'll treat accomplished men generously And spare no expense in giving my children a proper education. And so, farewell. Katherina, you may stay — I have more to discuss with Bianca. [_He exits._]

Original Text

KATHERINA. Why, and I trust I may go too, may I not? What! shall I be appointed hours, as though, belike, I knew not what to take and what to leave? Ha! [_Exit._]

Modern English

KATHERINA. Oh, I suppose I may go too, mayn't I? What — am I to be put on a schedule, as if I didn't know my own mind about what to do? Ha! [_She exits._]

Original Text

GREMIO. You may go to the devil's dam: your gifts are so good here's none will hold you. Their love is not so great, Hortensio, but we may blow our nails together, and fast it fairly out; our cake's dough on both sides. Farewell: yet, for the love I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can by any means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delights, I will wish him to her father.

Modern English

GREMIO. You can go to the devil for all anyone cares — your charms are so irresistible that nobody's going to stop you. Look, Hortensio, neither of us is getting anywhere with Bianca as things stand. We can stamp our feet all we want — we're both dead in the water. Farewell. But for the love I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can find any suitable man to teach her in the subjects she loves, I'll recommend him to her father.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. So will I, Signior Gremio: but a word, I pray. Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brooked parle, know now, upon advice, it toucheth us both,—that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress, and be happy rivals in Bianca's love,—to labour and effect one thing specially.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. So will I, Signor Gremio. But a word first, if I may. Even though our rivalry has never allowed for conversation before, think about it — we both face the same problem. Until we can get access to Bianca again and be proper rivals for her love, there's one thing we both need to work on together.

Original Text

GREMIO. What's that, I pray? HORTENSIO. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister. GREMIO. A husband! a devil. HORTENSIO. I say, a husband. GREMIO. I say, a devil. Thinkest thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell?

Modern English

GREMIO. And what's that? HORTENSIO. Simply this: find a husband for her sister. GREMIO. A husband? You mean a devil. HORTENSIO. I mean a husband. GREMIO. I mean a devil. Honestly, Hortensio — even with all her father's money, is any man fool enough to marry into that misery?

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Tush, Gremio! Though it pass your patience and mine to endure her loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the world, and a man could light on them, would take her with all faults, and money enough.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Oh, come on, Gremio. I know neither of us could stand her for five minutes, but there are bold men in this world — men who'd take her faults and all, if the money were right.

Original Text

GREMIO. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition: to be whipp'd at the high cross every morning.

Modern English

GREMIO. I don't know about that. I'd sooner take her dowry on one condition: that I get flogged at the public whipping post every morning.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Faith, as you say, there's small choice in rotten apples. But come; since this bar in law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth friendly maintained, till by helping Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband, we set his youngest free for a husband, and then have to't afresh. Sweet Bianca! Happy man be his dole! He that runs fastest gets the ring. How say you, Signior Gremio?

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Fair enough — rotten apples, the lot of them, but we pick what we've got. Come on, though. Since this obstacle actually makes us allies, let's keep that alliance going until we've found Baptista's eldest a husband and freed the youngest for the open market. Then we can go back to competing properly. Sweet Bianca! May the best man win — he who runs fastest takes the prize. What do you say, Signor Gremio?

Original Text

GREMIO. I am agreed; and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing, that would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her, and rid the house of her. Come on. [_Exeunt Gremio and Hortensio._]

Modern English

GREMIO. Agreed. And I'd give the finest horse in all of Padua to the man who'd truly woo her, wed her, bed her, and get her out of that house for good. Come on then. [_Gremio and Hortensio exit._]

Original Text

TRANIO. I pray, sir, tell me, is it possible That love should of a sudden take such hold?

Modern English

TRANIO. Tell me, sir — is it really possible That love can take hold so suddenly?

Original Text

LUCENTIO. O Tranio! till I found it to be true, I never thought it possible or likely; But see, while idly I stood looking on, I found the effect of love in idleness; And now in plainness do confess to thee, That art to me as secret and as dear As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was, Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio, If I achieve not this young modest girl. Counsel me, Tranio, for I know thou canst: Assist me, Tranio, for I know thou wilt.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Tranio, until it happened to me, I'd never have believed it. But look — I was standing there watching idly, And love found me while I wasn't looking. Now I'll tell you plainly — you who are as close to me, As trusted and as dear, as Anna was to Dido — Tranio, I burn, I pine, I'll die If I can't have that quiet, modest girl. Guide me, Tranio, for I know you can. Help me, Tranio, for I know you will.

Original Text

TRANIO. Master, it is no time to chide you now; Affection is not rated from the heart: If love have touch'd you, nought remains but so: _Redime te captum quam queas minimo._

Modern English

TRANIO. Master, this is no time to lecture you. You can't argue a man out of love once it's taken root. If love has touched you, there's only one course left: Ransom yourself from captivity as cheaply as you can.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Gramercies, lad; go forward; this contents; The rest will comfort, for thy counsel's sound.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Thank you, my friend. Go on — that's exactly what I needed. The rest will follow, for your counsel is sound.

Original Text

TRANIO. Master, you look'd so longly on the maid. Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all.

Modern English

TRANIO. You were so fixed on the girl, master. I wonder if you noticed the real heart of the matter.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. O, yes, I saw sweet beauty in her face, Such as the daughter of Agenor had, That made great Jove to humble him to her hand, When with his knees he kiss'd the Cretan strand.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Oh, I saw it — I saw the beauty in her face, The kind of beauty Europa had, the daughter of Agenor, That made mighty Jupiter humble himself before her, Kneeling on the shores of Crete to win her love.

Original Text

TRANIO. Saw you no more? mark'd you not how her sister Began to scold and raise up such a storm That mortal ears might hardly endure the din?

Modern English

TRANIO. But did you see nothing else? Did you not notice how her sister Launched into a tirade and stirred up such a storm That decent ears could barely stand the noise?

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Tranio, I saw her coral lips to move, And with her breath she did perfume the air; Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Tranio, I saw her lips moving — those perfect lips — And with every breath she scented the air around her. All I saw in her was beauty and grace.

Original Text

TRANIO. Nay, then, 'tis time to stir him from his trance. I pray, awake, sir: if you love the maid, Bend thoughts and wits to achieve her. Thus it stands: Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd, That till the father rid his hands of her, Master, your love must live a maid at home; And therefore has he closely mew'd her up, Because she will not be annoy'd with suitors.

Modern English

TRANIO. Right, then. Time to pull him out of his daydream. Wake up, sir — if you love the girl, Put your mind and your wits to work to get her. Here's the situation: Her older sister is so shrewish and vicious That until her father gets her off his hands, Your love will sit locked away at home, sir. That's why he's keeping Bianca so closely confined — He won't have her pestered with suitors until Kate is dealt with.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he! But art thou not advis'd he took some care To get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct her?

Modern English

LUCENTIO. What a cruel father, Tranio! But didn't you notice he made a point of saying He wants skilled tutors to come and teach her?

Original Text

TRANIO. Ay, marry, am I, sir, and now 'tis plotted. LUCENTIO. I have it, Tranio. TRANIO. Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one. LUCENTIO. Tell me thine first. TRANIO. You will be schoolmaster, And undertake the teaching of the maid: That's your device. LUCENTIO. It is: may it be done?

Modern English

TRANIO. I did, sir — and now I see the whole scheme. LUCENTIO. I've got it, Tranio. TRANIO. Master, I'll wager our plans have landed in exactly the same place. LUCENTIO. Tell me yours first. TRANIO. You disguise yourself as a schoolmaster And get yourself hired to teach the girl. That's your idea. LUCENTIO. It is. But can it be done?

Original Text

TRANIO. Not possible; for who shall bear your part And be in Padua here Vincentio's son; Keep house and ply his book, welcome his friends; Visit his countrymen, and banquet them?

Modern English

TRANIO. Not without solving one problem first: who plays your part? Who lives here in Padua as Vincentio's son, Runs the household, keeps up with his books, receives guests, Meets with your father's friends, entertains them at dinner?

Original Text

LUCENTIO. _Basta_, content thee, for I have it full. We have not yet been seen in any house, Nor can we be distinguish'd by our faces For man or master: then it follows thus: Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead, Keep house and port and servants, as I should; I will some other be; some Florentine, Some Neapolitan, or meaner man of Pisa. 'Tis hatch'd, and shall be so: Tranio, at once Uncase thee; take my colour'd hat and cloak. When Biondello comes, he waits on thee; But I will charm him first to keep his tongue. [_They exchange habits_]

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Enough — I've worked it all out. We haven't been seen inside anyone's house yet, And no one here can tell us apart by our faces — Master from servant, servant from master. So here's what follows: you, Tranio, will be me. You'll run the house, keep up appearances, manage the servants. I'll become someone else entirely — a Florentine, A Neapolitan, some ordinary man from Pisa. It's settled. Tranio, right now: trade clothes with me. Take my hat and my fine cloak. When Biondello arrives, he'll serve you. But I'll have a word with him first to make sure he keeps quiet. [_They swap clothes._]

Original Text

TRANIO. So had you need. In brief, sir, sith it your pleasure is, And I am tied to be obedient; For so your father charg'd me at our parting, 'Be serviceable to my son,' quoth he, Although I think 'twas in another sense: I am content to be Lucentio, Because so well I love Lucentio.

Modern English

TRANIO. Well, you certainly need me to. In short, sir, since it pleases you — And since I'm bound to obey — Your father's last words to me at our parting were: "Be of service to my son," he said. Though I suspect he meant it rather differently. Very well: I'm content to be Lucentio, Because I love Lucentio that much.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves; And let me be a slave, to achieve that maid Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye. Enter Biondello. Here comes the rogue. Sirrah, where have you been?

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Then be me, Tranio — because Lucentio is in love. Let me be a servant if I must, to win that girl Whose face stopped me cold the moment I laid eyes on her. Biondello enters. Ah, here's the rogue. Boy — where have you been?

Original Text

BIONDELLO. Where have I been? Nay, how now! where are you? Master, has my fellow Tranio stol'n your clothes? Or you stol'n his? or both? Pray, what's the news?

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Where have I been? Never mind that — where are you? Master, has Tranio stolen your clothes? Or have you stolen his? Or both? What's going on?

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Sirrah, come hither: 'tis no time to jest, And therefore frame your manners to the time. Your fellow Tranio here, to save my life, Puts my apparel and my count'nance on, And I for my escape have put on his; For in a quarrel since I came ashore I kill'd a man, and fear I was descried. Wait you on him, I charge you, as becomes, While I make way from hence to save my life. You understand me?

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Come here, boy — this is no time for jokes. So listen carefully and act accordingly. Your fellow Tranio here is wearing my clothes and my name to save my life. I've put on his to help me escape. You see, since we came ashore I've been in a quarrel — I killed a man, and I'm afraid I was recognized. You serve him now, as is proper, While I get away from here and save my skin. Do you understand?

Original Text

BIONDELLO. I, sir! Ne'er a whit. LUCENTIO. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth: Tranio is changed to Lucentio. BIONDELLO. The better for him: would I were so too!

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Me, sir? Not a bit of it. LUCENTIO. And not a word of "Tranio" from your mouth, ever: Tranio is now Lucentio. BIONDELLO. Good for him — I wish I could say the same!

Original Text

TRANIO. So could I, faith, boy, to have the next wish after, That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest daughter. But, sirrah, not for my sake but your master's, I advise You use your manners discreetly in all kind of companies: When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio; But in all places else your master, Lucentio.

Modern English

TRANIO. And so could I, boy — if the next wish came with it: That Lucentio really did win Baptista's youngest daughter. But listen up, not for my sake but your master's — Mind your manners carefully in all kinds of company. When we're alone, I'm Tranio. Everywhere else, I'm your master Lucentio.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Tranio, let's go. One thing more rests, that thyself execute, To make one among these wooers: if thou ask me why, Sufficeth my reasons are both good and weighty. [_Exeunt._]

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Come on, Tranio. Let's move. There's one thing left for you to do on your own: Join the ranks of Bianca's suitors. Don't ask me why — My reasons are sound, and they're good ones. [_They exit._]

Original Text

[_The Presenters above speak._] FIRST SERVANT. My lord, you nod; you do not mind the play. SLY. Yes, by Saint Anne, I do. A good matter, surely: comes there any more of it? PAGE. My lord, 'tis but begun. SLY. 'Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam lady: would 'twere done! [_They sit and mark._]

Modern English

[_The framing characters above speak._] FIRST SERVANT. My lord, you're nodding — you're not paying attention to the play. SLY. Oh yes I am, by Saint Anne. It's a fine piece of work — is there more of it coming? PAGE. My lord, it's only just begun. SLY. A very excellent piece of work, my lady. I only wish it were over! [_They settle in to watch._]

The Taming of the Shrew

Act 1, Scene 1

Act 1, Scene 1